MESILLA - Mexican-based music and dance groups performed at the historic Mesilla Plaza on Saturday to commemorate Cinco de Mayo, the annual celebration that honors Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

According to Adrian Cisneros, emcee of the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Las Cruces has been celebrating for approximate 30 years.

“And ever since then we’ve held this festival as a tribute,” Cisneros said. “So, we encourage for people to come out here, not just for the sake of it being a festival, but it’s a tradition.”

To honor the celebration local Mariachi, banda and Ballet Folkorico groups performed.

“We’re looking at five performers today and five performers tomorrow," Cisneros said.

Among the performing troupes on Saturday was the East Picacho Elementary Ballet Folkorico dance member Michaela Apodaca.

Among the students prepping themselves for a 2 p.m. scheduled performance was Michaela Apodaca, 9.

Michaela dressed in a traditional ruffled dress in an eye-popping shade of green. Her lips were done up with red lipstick and she exhibited no sign of nervous jitters. “I am really excited because I love dancing. I love everything Mexican and I love this,” she said.

Her mom, Nicole James, said Michaela has been preforming since kindergarten, but enrolled into East Picacho’s Ballet Folkorico last August.

Michaela’s years of practice are evident according to Silvia Mariscal, East Picacho’s third-grade dual language teacher.

Mariscal said she’s happy to see the young student become so passionate about the attire and the performances.

“I really enjoy how she puts forward into the performances,” Mariscal said.

Mariscal started the elementary school group six years ago with first grade dual language teacher Lucia Gutierrez.

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Angelina Vasquez, 8, dances with East Picacho Ballet Folkorico on Saturday, May 5, 2018 during the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at the Mesilla Plaza.(Photo11: Robin Zielinski / Sun-News)

Having Ballet Folkorico at the elementary helps build strong values among young students Mariscal said.

“We’re trying to keep our culture and help the kids identify themselves, while building acceptance among everybody,” Mariscal said.

Years before the dance program started, East Picacho had Ballet Folkorico available to only dual language students.

“Now anybody who wants to come into the program can. It doesn’t have to be just bilingual students,” Mariscal said.

And because of that, James is a fan.

“I love the program they are really supportive and they are really good with the kids,” James said. “Michaela has learned a lot even though she had just started at the beginning of the school year. So, she’s doing very well I think.”

There are now approximately 56 students in East Picacho’s Ballet Folkorico group.

Mesilla's Cinco de Mayo celebration continues Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. on the town's plaza.

Xchelzin Peña is a freelance writer and can be reached at xchelzin@gmail.com.

Cinco de Mayo schedule of events

Noon: Mayor Barraza’s words of welcome

12:10 p.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Local artist Karlos Saucedo to perform national anthem